International Relations

KEY POINTS

·         COMCASA is said to be part of a set of 3 agreements that the U.S. considers vital for a functional military relationship.

COMCASA

·         COMCASA is meant to provide a legal framework for the transfer of communication security equipment from the U.S. to India.

·         This would facilitate “interoperability” between their forces and potentially with other militaries that use U.S. origin systems for secured data links.

Benefits

·         Transfer of Technology – India’s armed forces are currently dependent on less secure, commercially available communication systems for surveillance.

·         These platforms are, therefore a hindrance in real time data sharing with friendly militaries, and seamless interoperability during joint missions.

·         Hence, COMCASA will facilitate the Indian military to use high-end secured communication equipment from the U.S.

·         Future plans – COMCASA is said to be imperative if India is to get the armed version of the Sea Guardian drones from the US.

·         Hence, it would help in executing India’s future plans.

·         Co-operation – U.S. granted India the status of “Major Defence Partner” during the Obama’s time, to facilitate transfer of high-end defence technology.

·         Signing of the 3 foundational agreements would underline that status, besides making the transfer of American defence technology possible to India.

Concerns

·         There exists fear that it would compromise on India’s defence secrecy.

·         New Delhi is believed to be concerned about intrusive access COMCASA would grant the U.S. to Indian military communication system.

·         The violation of Indian sovereignty due to visits by US inspectors to Indian bases to inspect the COMCASA-safeguarded equipment weighs heavy.

·         There is also a fear that a lot of Russian-origin and indigenous Indian military platforms may not be compatible with COMCASA.

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